TSA Pat-Down
A man receives a security hand check at Chicago's OHare airport. Rep. David Simpson has reintroduced a proposal that would criminalize excessive touching by TSA agents in Texas. Reuters

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which was under fire after two elderly travelers accused it of strip searches, has announced a hotline assistance to the passengers in need.

Lenore Zimmerman, an 84-year-old Long Island grandmother, had accused TSA agents of humiliation and strip search during a security screening at the airport. She had opted for pat down instead of the body scanner, as she thought the scanner could interfere with the defibrillator she had on her body.

Though the TSA refuted Zimmerman's story, saying they didn't conduct strip searches on passengers, there were demands from New York lawmakers to have a passenger advocate position at all airports to address passenger grievances.

The TSA has now come with an alternative, which they believe would address complaints relating to security screenings at airports. It will establish a dedicated toll-free 800-number telephone hotline to air travelers who require assistance during the airport security screening.

With the hotline in place, passengers can directly access information and get guidance on security screening issues specific to people with disabilities and medical conditions.

A TSA statement has said that they have programs in place for screening persons with all kinds of medical needs and that the screening is conducted with utmost respect to passengers' honor and dignity.

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